Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Verse 2Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits-
Verse 3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
Verse 4who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
Verse 5who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Verse 6The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.
Verse 7He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
Verse 8The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Verse 9He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever.
Verse 10He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
Verse 11For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
Verse 12as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.
Verse 13As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.
Devotion
A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with cancer. As she lay awake in the midnight hours before her surgery, the verses of various hymns ran over and over through her mind. On what was most certainly a high anxiety night, the promises of God were present. When sleep wouldn't come, she found herself praising God through the words of beloved hymns.
Psalm 103 is an individual hymn of thanksgiving. Even in the midst of life's storms, the psalmist praises God for all of God’s goodness. The New Living Translation of the Bible translates verse 2 in this way: "Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me." It is easy to praise God when life is going well, but it can become more difficult to offer words of thanksgiving when life throws you a curveball. On challenging days, may you find simple ways to remember all of the good things God does for you.
Prayer
Encourage me, Lord, to remember all of the good that you do. On challenging days, help me to find simple ways to offer you thanksgiving. Amen.